Multi-orifice nozzle for droplet atomization

ABSTRACT

A method of atomizing a liquid comprising providing the liquid to a liquid duct in a dispensing body, providing a gas to a gas duct in the dispensing body, and introducing the liquid into a head via a plurality of liquid duct channels. The method further includes introducing the gas into a pressure chamber of a pressure cap, the pressure cap positioned proximate the dispensing body such that the head is positioned between the pressure cap and the dispensing body. The gas is expelled through a plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices, the pressure chamber exit orifices positioned proximate a plurality of liquid supply channel exit openings via an alignment spacer defined on the head. The method includes expelling the liquid from the liquid supply channel exit openings and through the pressure chamber exit orifices, such that the liquid and the gas interact and form atomized droplets of the liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/121,115 filed Sep. 4, 2018 entitled MULTI-ORIFICE NOZZLE FOR DROPLETATOMIZATION, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentireties.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to nozzle devices and methodsfor creating atomized sprays to provide greater coverage in dispensingliquids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to amulti-orifice nozzle and associated components for droplet atomization.

Devices for dispensing liquids are generally known in the art. Thedispensing of liquids may be used in a variety of settings in which aliquid is to be applied to a target object. One such scenario includesthe treatment of seeds with chemical agents, including antimicrobials,fungicides, insecticides, coloring agents, fertilizer, growth promotors,etc.

Conventional devices introduce a chemical agent to the seeds while theseeds are being agitated in order to provide greater coverage of thechemical agent across the seeds. A portion of the seeds are exposeddirectly to the chemical agent. This may occur by direct contact whenthe chemical agent is dispensed from a source (such as by manualintroduction or through a hose). As the seeds are agitated, theremaining seeds may be exposed to the chemical agent indirectly. Thechemical agent may transfer from seed to seed or from the containerwhich has excess chemical agents until all of the seeds have beenexposed to the chemical agent.

The method of agitating seeds until the chemical agent is spread acrossthe entire load of seeds can be inefficient and ineffective at properlytreating a batch of seeds. For example, the seeds may be treated withthe chemical agent disproportionately, leaving some seeds effectivelyuntreated and other seeds over treated. Further, the agitation processmay damage some of the seeds if the process occurs for too long or ifthe agitation is too rough in order to achieve ubiquitous and evencoverage. Thus, these methods may necessitate a balance betweentreatment coverage and maintaining the integrity of the seed.

Seed treaters may also find this problem particularly difficult whenhigh volumes of seeds are to be treated. On an industrial scale, thebalance between effective coverage and efficient processes with highyield is crucial.

Another difficulty associated with the dispensing of chemical agentsonto seeds includes the varying viscosities and densities of the varietyof chemicals used. Certain chemicals may be prone to clogging liquidfeeders where others may be prone to fast and uncontrolled dispensingand dispersion.

What is needed then are improvements in liquid dispensers, nozzles, andmethods for delivery of liquid products in the form of atomized sprays.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device forspraying liquid droplets onto seeds. The device includes a seedtreatment chamber and at least one multi-orifice nozzle positioned tospray liquid droplets onto seeds residing inside the chamber. The seedsmay be circulated mechanically inside the chamber during spray. Themulti-orifice nozzle provides enhanced liquid droplet atomization forapplying the liquid onto the seeds inside the chamber.

One aspect of the disclosure is a multi-orifice nozzle for dropletatomization. The multi-orifice nozzle may include a head defining anexterior head surface, the head having a plurality of liquid supplychannels and a plurality of liquid supply channel entrance openings. Thehead may also have a plurality of liquid supply channel exit openingssuch that liquid enters the plurality of liquid supply channels at theliquid supply channel entrance openings and exits the plurality ofliquid supply channels at the liquid supply channel exit openings. Themulti-orifice nozzle may also comprise a pressure cap positionedproximate the head, the pressure cap defining a pressure chamber and aplurality of pressure chamber exit orifices defined in the pressure capdownstream of the plurality of liquid supply channel exit openings.Thus, gas passing through the pressure chamber toward the plurality ofpressure chamber exit orifices may travel past the plurality of liquidsupply channel exit openings. The multi-orifice nozzle may also includean alignment spacer defined on the head, wherein the alignment spacerinterfaces with the pressure cap such that each of the plurality ofpressure chamber exit orifices is aligned with a corresponding liquidsupply channel exit opening of the plurality of liquid supply channelexit openings. The alignment spacer may prevent relative rotationbetween the head and the pressure cap and space each of the plurality ofpressure chamber exit orifices from the corresponding liquid supplychannel exit opening of the plurality of liquid supply channel exitopenings.

Another aspect of the disclosure includes a liquid dispensing apparatusfor droplet atomization including a dispensing body having a receivingend and a dispensing end, the dispensing body including a liquid ductand a gas duct defined in the dispensing body. The liquid dispensingapparatus may further include a head positioned proximate the dispensingend of the dispensing body. The head may include a plurality of liquidsupply channels and a plurality of liquid supply channel exit openingssuch that liquid travelling from the liquid duct toward the plurality ofliquid supply channel exit openings passes through the plurality ofliquid supply channels. The liquid dispensing apparatus may furtherinclude a pressure cap positioned proximate the dispensing end of thedispensing body and exterior the head relative to the dispensing body,the pressure cap defining a pressure chamber, the pressure chamber beingin fluid communication with the gas duct. The liquid dispensingapparatus may further comprise a plurality of pressure chamber exitorifices defined in the pressure cap and aligned with the plurality ofliquid supply channel exit openings such that gas passing from the gasduct toward the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices travels pastthe plurality of liquid supply channel exit openings. The liquiddispensing apparatus may also include an alignment spacer on the head,the alignment spacer operable to interface with the pressure cap suchthat each of the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices is alignedwith a corresponding liquid supply channel exit opening of the pluralityof liquid supply channel exit openings. The alignment spacer may axiallyspace each of the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices from thecorresponding liquid supply channel exit opening of the plurality ofliquid supply channel exit openings.

Another aspect may include a method of atomizing a liquid. The methodmay include providing a liquid to a liquid duct in a dispensing body andproviding a gas to a gas duct in the dispensing body. The method mayfurther include introducing the liquid into a head via a plurality ofliquid duct channels, the head positioned proximate the dispensing body.The method may also comprise introducing the gas into a pressure chamberof a pressure cap, the pressure cap positioned proximate the dispensingbody such that the head is positioned between the pressure cap and thedispensing body and expelling the gas through a plurality of pressurecap orifices, the pressure cap orifices positioned proximate a pluralityof liquid supply channel exit openings. The method may also includedispensing the liquid from the liquid supply channel exit openings andthrough the pressure cap orifices, such that the liquid and the gasinteract and form atomized droplets of the liquid.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device forspraying seeds. The device includes a multi-orifice nozzle positionedinside a chamber, wherein the multi-orifice nozzle is configured toprovide flow blurring atomization of a liquid to be sprayed onto theseeds.

Numerous other objects, advantages, and features of the presentdisclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon areview of the following drawings and description of a preferredembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid dispensingapparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aliquid dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquiddispensing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a liquid dispensing apparatus including a multi-orificenozzle comprising a pressure cap and a head.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of amulti-orifice nozzle.

FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of amulti-orifice nozzle mounted to a dispensing body.

FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of amulti-orifice nozzle and an interface between the pressure cap, thehead, and the dispensing body.

FIG. 8A is a sectional side view of a liquid supply channel, a liquidsupply channel exit opening, and a distance H, distance H representingthe distance between the liquid supply channel exit opening and apressure chamber exit orifice.

FIG. 8B is a sectional side view of a liquid and a gas interacting at areflux cell and forming toroidal vortices in the liquid supply channel,resulting in flow blurring of the liquid.

FIG. 8C is a sectional side view of a liquid and gas interacting at areflux cell resulting in flow blurring, where a liquid supply channelexit opening includes a sharp edge.

FIG. 8D is a sectional side view of a liquid and a gas interacting at apressure chamber exit orifice, resulting in flow focusing of the liquid.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amulti-orifice nozzle with an exemplary holder sleeve.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of exemplary embodiment of amulti-orifice nozzle with exemplary holder sleeve and exemplarydispensing body.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an exemplary embodiment of a liquid dispensingapparatus mounted on an exemplary seed treater, wherein the liquiddispensing apparatus is adjustable for providing an adjustable spraydistance.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of amulti-orifice spray device for use in a seed treatment application forliquid droplet atomization.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatare embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerousequivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Suchequivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention andare covered by the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing,for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,”“lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when inthe orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art willrecognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when inuse.

A liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is generally provided for dropletatomization. Liquids may be atomized by the liquid dispensing apparatus10 in order to break up a liquid substance while dispensing the liquidonto a surface. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates anexemplary embodiment of a liquid dispensing apparatus 10. The liquiddispensing apparatus 10 generally includes a nozzle 12 in fluidcommunication with a liquid inlet 14 and a gas inlet 16. A liquidsubstance and gas may pass into the liquid dispensing apparatus 10through the liquid inlet 14 and the gas inlet 16 respectively. Theliquid substance and gas may then pass out of the liquid dispensingapparatus 10 through the nozzle 12 such that the liquid substance exitsthe liquid dispensing apparatus 10 as fine particles (atomized).

Now referring to FIGS. 2-4, a liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is providedin greater detail. In one embodiment, the liquid dispensing apparatus 10may comprise a dispensing body 20 having a receiving end 22, adispensing end 24, a liquid duct 26, and a gas duct 28. The liquid duct26 and the gas duct 28 may be defined in the dispensing body 20 from thereceiving end 22 to the dispensing end 24.

The liquid dispensing apparatus 10 may further comprise a nozzle 12. Thenozzle 12 may be integrated onto the dispensing body 20 or may be aseparate component. FIGS. 2-4 demonstrate an exemplary embodiment inwhich the nozzle 12 comprises a head 30 positioned proximate thedispensing body 20 at the dispensing end 24 and a pressure cap 40. Thepressure cap 40 may be positioned proximate the dispensing end 24 of thedispensing body 20 and exterior the head 30 relative to the dispensingbody 20. Thus, the head 30 may be positioned between the dispensing body20 and the pressure cap 40 when assembled.

When the nozzle 12 is discrete from the dispensing body 20, the liquiddispensing apparatus 10 may further comprise a pressure cap fastener 60.The pressure cap fastener 60 may include threads 62 for engagingcorresponding threads 29 on the dispensing body 20. The pressure capfastener 60 may also define a pressure cap opening 64 through which aportion of the pressure cap 40 may extend when the pressure cap fastener60 is retaining the pressure cap 40 proximate the dispensing body 20.The pressure cap fastener 60 may include a collar 66, the collar 66operable to retain a lip 48 of the pressure cap 40 with substantiallyeven pressure around the collar 66, such that a pressure chamber 42 ismaintained between the pressure cap 40 and the head 30 when coupledtogether.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-4, the head 30 may include an interior headsurface 31 and an exterior head surface 32. The head 30 may furthercomprise a plurality of liquid supply channels 34, which span the head30 from the interior head surface 31 to the exterior head surface 32.When the head is positioned proximate the dispensing end 24 of thedispensing body 20, the liquid supply channels 34 are in fluidcommunication with the liquid duct 26. Thus, a liquid substance mayenter the liquid supply channels 34 from the liquid duct 26 and passthrough the head 30. The head 30 may further comprise a plurality ofliquid supply channel exit openings 36, which are positioned on theexterior head surface 32.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-4, the pressure cap 40 may define a pressurechamber 42. The pressure chamber 42 may be in fluid communication withthe gas duct 28. The pressure cap 40 may further comprise a plurality ofpressure chamber exit orifices 44 defined in the pressure cap 40. Whenthe pressure cap 40 is positioned exterior the head 30, the pressurechamber exit orifices 44 may be aligned with the liquid supply channelexit openings 36 such that gas passing from the gas duct 28 toward thepressure chamber exit orifices 44 travels past the liquid supply channelexit openings 36. The pressure chamber 42 will be discussed in furtherdetail below.

The head 30 may further comprise an alignment spacer 38. The alignmentspacer 38 may be operable to interface with the pressure cap 40 suchthat each of the pressure chamber exit orifices 44 is aligned with acorresponding liquid supply channel exit opening of the liquid supplychannel exit openings 36. The alignment spacer 38 may further beoperable to axially space each of the pressure chamber exit orifices 44from a corresponding liquid supply channel exit opening 36. When theliquid supply channel exit openings 36 are aligned with and axiallyspaced from the pressure chamber exit orifices 44, a liquid substancethat is exiting the liquid supply channel exit openings 36 is disruptedby gas moving from the pressure chamber 42 and through the pressurechamber exit orifices 44. The interaction of the gas and the liquidsubstance results in the disruption of the interaction between liquidparticles such that smaller units of the liquid substance are expelledfrom the liquid dispensing apparatus 10. The alignment spacer 38 mayalso be operable to prevent the relative rotation between the head 30and the pressure cap 40, such that the liquid supply channel exitopenings 36 and the pressure chamber exit orifices 44 remain inalignment.

In some embodiments, the pressure cap 40 may include an alignment spacerreceiver 46, the alignment spacer receiver 46 operable to receive andretain the alignment spacer 38 of the head 30. As seen in FIGS. 5A and5B, the alignment spacer 38 may include a D-shaped protrusion. TheD-shaped protrusion may correspond to a D-shaped recess of the alignmentspacer receiver 46. The D-shape of the alignment spacer 38 and thealignment spacer receiver 46 provide mechanical interference such thatthe head 30 and the pressure cap 40 are prevented from axially rotatingwith respect to each other. Various other shapes may be implemented toprovide the alignment and anti-rotation features of the head 30 andpressure cap 40, including non-circular shaped alignment spacers 38.

In other embodiments, the alignment spacer 38 further comprises a distalsurface 33 and the alignment spacer receiver 46 further comprises a backwall 47. When the alignment spacer receiver 46 retains the alignmentspacer 38, the distal surface 33 of the alignment spacer 38 is incontact with the back wall 47 of the pressure cap 40. When the distalsurface 33 of the alignment spacer 38 and the back wall 47 are incontact, the frustum-shaped portion 37 of the head 30 is axially spacedfrom the inner wall 41 of the pressure cap 40. Thus, when the head 30 ispositioned adjacent the pressure cap 40, the pressure chamber 42 ismaintained (See FIGS. 6-8).

With further reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the head may define anexterior head surface 32 including a frustum-shaped portion 37. Theliquid supply channel exit openings 36 may be spaced on thefrustum-shaped portion 37 of the exterior head surface 32. The placementof the liquid supply channel exit openings 36 on the frustum-shapedportion 37 permits the nozzle 12 to maintain a wider spray distributionof the liquid substance. The frustum-shaped portion 37 may be formedsuch that a conic angle 50 may provide a specific distribution patternthat is desirable. The conic angle 50 is the angle defined between ahead axis 52 about which the head 30 is disposed and the exteriorsurface of the frustum-shaped portion 37 of the head 30. For a tighterspray distribution, the conic angle may approach 90 degrees. For a widerspray distribution, the conic angle 50 may approach 0 degrees.

With further reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the head 30 may include theliquid supply channel exit openings 36 spaced along a frustum-shapedportion 37 of the head 30. The liquid supply channel exit openings 36may be spaced to provide a spray distribution in 360 degrees around thehead axis 52. The number of liquid supply channel exit openings 36 mayinclude anywhere from two to thirty liquid supply channel exit openings36. In some embodiments, the head 30 includes three to fifteen liquidsupply channel exit openings 36. In other embodiments, the head 30comprises ten liquid supply channel exit openings 36 spaced equallyalong the frustum-shaped portion 37 of the head 30. The liquid supplychannel exit openings 36 may be positioned on the frustum-shaped portion37 of the head 30 in a single plane, the single plane disposedperpendicularly to the head axis 52.

Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6, the head 30 may further define a loadingchamber 39. The loading chamber 39 may be a recess on the interior headsurface 31. A plurality of liquid supply channel entrance openings 35may be positioned adjacent to the loading chamber 39, the liquid supplychannel entrance openings 35 operable to permit liquid substances topass from the liquid duct 26 into the liquid supply channels 34. Theloading chamber 39 may include a variety of configurations includingconical shape, semi-spherical shape, and other configurations known toone of skill in the art. The loading chamber 39 may allow for the liquidsubstance to pool and stage prior to passing into the liquid supplychannels 34. All of the liquid supply channels 34 may be fed from theloading chamber 39.

In other embodiments, the liquid supply channels 34 may be fed directlyfrom the liquid duct 26 or a loading chamber 39 may be formed betweenthe head 30 and the dispensing body 20. In those embodiments in whichthe head 30 is integrated onto the dispensing body 20, the loadingchamber 39 may be a distinct portion defined in the dispensing body 20.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the liquid supplychannels 34 includes a converging section upstream of the liquid supplychannel exit openings 36. The converging section generally provides areduction in diameter in a downstream direction toward the liquid supplychannel exit openings 36. For instance, the liquid supply channels 34may have a first diameter D at or near the liquid supply channel exitopenings 36 and a second diameter D₂ at or near the liquid supplychannel entrance openings 35. In some embodiments, the second diameterD₂ is greater than the first diameter D. In other embodiments, the firstdiameter D is greater than the second diameter D₂. The variation in thediameter of the liquid supply channels 34 may provide certain fluiddynamics, which promote the atomization of the liquid substance.

In some embodiments, the liquid supply channels 34 may be disposed abouta plurality of liquid supply channel axes 58 in the head 30 such thatthe liquid supply channels 34 are perpendicular to the exterior headsurface 32. In other embodiments, the liquid supply channel axes 58 arepositioned at an angle greater than zero degrees and less than 180degrees relative to the head axis 52. The distribution area of theatomized liquid may be varied by altering the angle between the liquidsupply channel axes 58 and the head axis 52.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the gas duct 28 may be in fluidcommunication with the pressure chamber 42. As previously discussed, thepressure chamber 42 is maintained between the pressure cap 40 and thedispensing body 20 when the pressure cap 40 is proximate the dispensingbody 20. The pressure chamber 40 may be positioned inward from theinterior pressure cap end wall 45 such that the pressure chamber 42 issurrounding portions of the dispensing body 20 and the head 30 in 360degrees. The interior pressure cap end wall 45 can be substantially flatin some embodiments and in other embodiments, the pressure cap end wall45 may be curved to substantially match the curvature of thefrustum-shaped portion 37 of the head 30. In order to maintain anairtight seal between the pressure cap 40 and the dispensing body 20, anO-ring may be positioned between the pressure cap 40 and the dispensingbody 20. Thus, a gas entering the pressure chamber 40 from the gas duct20 may only be exhausted through the pressure chamber exit orifices 44.

In some embodiments, the pressure chamber 42 may narrow proximate thepressure chamber exit orifices 44 and the liquid supply channel exitopenings 36. The pressure chamber 42 may narrow to a distance of H, asseen in FIG. 8A, between the pressure cap 40 and the head 30, meaningthe interior pressure cap end wall 45 is axially offset from the liquidsupply channel exit opening 36 by a distance H. The distance H may bemaintained by the alignment spacer 38 extending a length which isgreater than the depth of the alignment spacer receiver 46. The distanceH may be one of the factors that provides the proper physicalinteraction of the liquid substance and the gas to create the variousdischarge patterns including flow blurring and flow focusing. Forexample, the pressure chamber exit orifice 44 may include a pressurechamber exit orifice diameter D. In some embodiments, a nozzle 12includes a ratio of H divided by D that is less than about 0.25. Invarious other embodiments, the nozzle 12 includes a ratio of H dividedby D of less than about 0.10. The ratio between H and D promote certaininteractions between the liquid substance and gas that result in variousspray patterns such as flow blurring and flow focusing.

One example of flow blurring is demonstrated in FIG. 8B. In thisexample, a liquid substance travels through the liquid duct 26, entersthe liquid supply channel entrance opening 36 and through the liquidsupply channel. A gas travels through the gas duct 28 and into thepressure chamber 42. As the gas moves towards the pressure chamber exitorifice 44 and the liquid supply channel exit opening 36, a portion ofthe gas enters into the liquid supply channel exit opening 36 and formstoroidal vorticities, thereby providing a desired flow interactiongeometry for forming a reflux cell 70 in the liquid supply channels 34.The turbulent interactions of the liquid substance and the gas at theliquid supply channel exit opening 36 overcomes some of the physicalinteractions of the molecules of the liquid substance, thus allowing theliquid substance to be divided into smaller units forming small dropletsof the liquid substance. Other portions of the gas exit through thepressure chamber exit orifice 44. As the gas exits the pressure chamberexit orifice 44, the gas is able to expand and interact with the liquidsubstance exiting from the liquid supply channel exit opening 36 and thepressure chamber exit orifice 44.

With further reference to FIG. 8B, in some embodiments, a nozzle 12allows a portion of gas forced through the pressure chamber 42 from thegas duct 16 to flow upstream into the liquid supply channels 34 throughthe liquid supply channel exit openings 36 and to form a reflux cell 70with the liquid substance in the liquid supply channels 34 upstream ofthe liquid supply channel exit openings 36. Formation of a reflux cell70 is characteristic of a flow blurring interaction between a liquidsubstance and a gas. The reflux cell 70 includes a region of toroidalvorticity between a propellant gas flow 72 and a liquid product flow 74inside the liquid supply channels 34. The liquid substance and the gasundergo turbulent interactions, forming one or more discrete bubbles ofpropellant gas in some flow conditions. A plurality of fluid ligaments76 may be formed extending from the reflux cell 70 toward the pressurechamber exit orifices 44, and a plurality of atomized droplets 78 areformed downstream of the pressure chamber exit orifices 44. The nozzle12 may form atomized droplets in a size range of between about 0.5 andabout 250 micrometers in some applications.

As demonstrated in FIG. 8C, in other embodiments, flow blurring may alsobe accomplished by providing a liquid supply channel exit opening 36including a side wall disposed at an acute angle, meaning the liquidsupply channel exit opening 36 may form a sharp edge. Because the shapeof the liquid supply channel exit opening 36 is sharp-edged, gas is ableto exit the pressure chamber 42 with little or even no losses byfriction. Consistently, the gas will be released at the highest velocitythat the essentially adiabatic expansion allows. The sharp edge of theliquid supply channel exit opening 36 may be formed directly in the head30 such that the pressure chamber 42 extends into the cavity or emptyspace created by the recess in the head 30 providing the sharp edge.This configuration may be employed around each of the liquid supplychannel exit openings 36 such that the liquid substance dispensed fromthe device 10 is influenced by a substantially similar environment.

FIG. 8D provides an exemplary embodiment in which flow focusing occurs.As gas travels through the pressure chamber 42, the gas exits thepressure chamber exit orifice 44. Liquid substance travelling throughthe liquid supply channel 34 and out through both the liquid supplychannel exit opening 36 and the pressure chamber exit orifice 44 isdisrupted by the gas flowing out. Thus, the liquid substance is brokenup into small droplets.

In both flow focusing and flow blurring, the interactions may occur ateach of the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices 44 and liquidsupply channel exit openings 36. Thus, the liquid dispensing apparatus10 is providing an atomized liquid substance in 360 degrees around thenozzle 12.

Likewise, as can be seen in FIGS. 6-8, in some embodiments, the pressurechamber exit orifices 44 may include a diverging section downstream fromthe pressure chamber 42 and liquid supply channels 34. The divergingsection generally provides an increase in diameter in a downstreamdirection. The diverging section may provide a wide field for theexpansion of the gas and the dispersion of the fluid ligaments 76 andatomized droplets 78 for droplet formation. For example, the pressurechamber exit orifices 44 may comprise a substantially conical recesswhere the conic angle α is in the range of 145 degrees and 45 degrees.In one example, the conic angle α is about ninety degrees. As the gasexpands and the liquid substance is atomized, the fluid dispersion maybe controlled or limited by the pressure chamber exit orifices 44. Inthose embodiments in which the fluid dispersion is to be controlled, theconic angle α of the pressure chamber exit orifices 44 may be narrowerand in those embodiments where a wide dispersion is sought, a widerconic angle α of the pressure chamber exit orifices 44 may beimplemented.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the nozzle 12 is discreet fromthe dispensing body 20, the dispensing body 20 may form nozzle-receivingportions 25 on the dispensing end 24. The nozzle-receiving portions 25may correspond to structural features of the nozzle 12. For example,when the head 30 is placed adjacent the dispensing body 20, thenozzle-receiving portion 25 is shaped to receive the head 30 such thatthe liquid supply channel entrance openings 36 are in fluidcommunication with the liquid duct 26. Furthermore, the dispensing body20 may include an O-ring to prevent the liquid substance from passingout from between the nozzle-receiving portion 25 of the dispensing bodyand the head 30. Thus, liquid substance flows only along the desiredflow path.

Now referring to FIG. 9, the liquid dispensing apparatus 10 furthercomprises a holder sleeve 90. The holder sleeve 90 is configured toslide over and receive the dispensing body 20. The holder sleeve 90 maybe retained in a permanent or semi-permanent position on variousassemblies, including a seed treating assembly (See FIG. 11). The holdersleeve 90 may form an interior channel 92 shaped to receive thedispensing body 20 such that the nozzle 12 extends outward from theinterior channel 92 when the dispensing body 20 is retained by theholder sleeve 90. The dispensing body 20 may move relative to the holdersleeve 90, such that the spray distance may be adjusted according to adesired length.

In some embodiments, the dispensing body 20 may include a plurality ofrecesses 80 axially spaced along exterior portions of the dispensingbody 20. The recesses 80 may be axially spaced along the dispensing body20. In some embodiments, the recesses 80 may extend about the exteriorsurface of the dispensing body 20. The dispensing body 20 may bedisposed about a dispensing body axis 27 and the recesses 80 may bepositioned along the dispensing body 20 such that the recesses 80 aretransverse to the dispensing body axis 27. The liquid dispensingapparatus 10 may further comprise a set fastener 92, which is operableto selectively retain the dispensing body 20 in the holder sleeve 90 atan adjustable position via one of the recesses 80. The set fastener 92may include a screw such that when the set fastener 92 is advancedthrough the holder sleeve 90, the set fastener 92 mechanicallyinterferes with the sidewalls of the recesses 80 and prevents theadvancing or retreat of the dispensing body 20 relative to the holdersleeve 90.

In some embodiments, the recesses 80 may be formed between ridges 82protruding from the surface of the dispensing body 20. The ridges 82 maybe axially spaced along the dispensing body 20 such that a recess 80 isformed between each of the ridges 82. The width of the recess 80 may besubstantially equal to the set fastener diameter. When the set fastener92 is advanced until at least a portion of the set fastener 92 restsbetween two of the ridges 82 forming the recess 80. Thus, the setfastener 92 is secured between the two ridges 82 such that each of theridges 82 simultaneously provides mechanical interference on two sidesof the set fastener 92. If a user desires to adjust the spray distanceof the liquid dispensing apparatus 10, the set fastener 92 may beremoved or partially removed, the dispensing body 20 may be positionedrelative to the holder sleeve 90, and then the set fastener 92 may beadvanced until the dispensing body 20 is secured within the holdersleeve 90.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the liquid dispensing apparatus 10 maybe mounted to a seed treating apparatus. The liquid dispensing apparatus10 may be operable to have an adjustable spray distance via the holdersleeve 90 and the set fastener 92. The nozzle 12 of the liquiddispensing apparatus 10 may be extended further into the seed treatingapparatus or may be retracted to allow for a variable spray distance ofthe liquid dispensing apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the liquiddispensing apparatus 10 may be disposed in an internal drum 98 of theseed treating apparatus. The internal drum 98 may include an interiorchamber 99 in which seeds may be contained for treatment. The internaldrum 98 may rotate such that when the liquid dispensing apparatus 10 isactivated and providing an atomized spray of a liquid substance, theseeds may be coated in the liquid substance as the internal drum 98rotates. Although the liquid dispensing apparatus 10 is discussed withregards to a seed treating apparatus, it is contemplated in thedisclosure that the liquid dispensing apparatus 10 could be applied in avariety of applications in which a liquid is to be dispensed under theconditions disclosed herein for droplet atomization.

As shown in FIG. 12, a further embodiment of a multi-orifice spraydevice 10 for use in a seed treatment application for liquid dropletatomization. The device 10 includes a pressure chamber exit orifice 44positioned on pressure cap 40 to emit a liquid spray onto seeds inside aseed treatment chamber. The pressure cap fastener 60 retains thepressure cap 40 on the device. One or more devices 10 may be installedin a seed treatment chamber for spraying seeds. In some embodiments, thedevice 10 is configured to emit liquid droplets using flow blurringdroplet atomization.

A method of atomizing a liquid substance is also disclosed. The methodincludes providing the liquid to a liquid duct in a dispensing body andproviding a gas to a gas duct in the dispensing body. The method mayfurther include introducing the liquid into a head via a plurality ofliquid duct channels, the head positioned proximate the dispensing bodyand introducing the gas into a pressure chamber of a pressure cap, thepressure cap positioned proximate the dispensing body such that the headis positioned between the pressure cap and the dispensing body. Further,the method may comprise expelling the gas through a plurality ofpressure chamber exit orifices, the pressure chamber exit orificespositioned proximate a plurality of liquid supply channel exit openingsand dispensing the liquid from the liquid supply channel exit openingsand through the pressure chamber exit orifices, such that the liquid andthe gas interact and form atomized droplets of the liquid.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful Multi-Orifice Nozzle for DropletAtomization, it is not intended that such references be construed aslimitations upon the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating seeds comprising: providing seeds; providing a multi-orifice spray device including a head having a plurality of liquid supply channels, a pressure cap defining a pressure chamber and a plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices, wherein the pressure cap is positioned proximate the head and includes an alignment spacer defined on the head; supplying a liquid to the multi-orifice spray device via a liquid duct of the multi-orifice spray device, wherein the liquid passes from the liquid duct to the plurality of liquid supply channels of the head; supplying a gas to the multi-orifice spray device via a gas duct of the multi-orifice spray device, wherein the gas passes from the gas duct to the pressure chamber of the pressure cap; expelling the liquid and the gas through the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices, wherein the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices are positioned proximate a plurality of liquid supply channel exit openings such that the gas and the liquid interact and form an atomized spray of the liquid; and treating the seeds with the atomized spray.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices with the plurality of liquid supply channel exit openings via the alignment spacer.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising preventing relative rotation between the head and the pressure cap via the alignment spacer.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the alignment spacer includes a D-shaped protrusion on the head.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pressure cap includes a D-shaped recess for receiving the D-shaped protrusion on the head.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein: the head further includes a loading chamber defined in the head; and a plurality of liquid supply channel entrance openings of the plurality of liquid supply channels are in fluid communication with the liquid duct.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising positioning the plurality of liquid supply channel entrance openings adjacent to the loading chamber.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of liquid supply channel entrance openings are operable to permit the liquid to pass from the liquid duct and the loading chamber into the plurality of liquid supply channels.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an internal drum having an interior chamber holding the seeds for treatment, wherein the internal drum rotates relative to the multi-orifice spray device.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising adjusting a spray distance of the multi-orifice spray device relative to the internal drum.
 11. A method of treating seeds comprising: providing seeds; providing a multi-orifice spray device including a head having a plurality of liquid supply channels, a pressure cap defining a pressure chamber and a plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices, wherein the pressure cap is positioned proximate the head and includes an alignment spacer defined on the head; mounting the multi-orifice spray device to an internal drum having an interior chamber for holding the seeds for treatment, wherein the internal drum in operable to rotate relative to the multi-orifice spray device; supplying a liquid to the multi-orifice spray device via a liquid duct of the multi-orifice spray device, wherein the liquid passes from the liquid duct to the plurality of liquid supply channels of the head; supplying a gas to the multi-orifice spray device via a gas duct of the multi-orifice spray device, wherein the gas passes from the gas duct to the pressure chamber of the pressure cap; rotating the internal drum; expelling the liquid and the gas through the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices, wherein the plurality of pressure chamber exit orifices are positioned proximate the plurality of liquid supply channels such that the gas and the liquid interact and form an atomized spray of the liquid; and treating the seeds with the atomized spray. 